Dahlia plant named ‘MYSTIC WONDER’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Dahlia  named ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ that is distinguishable by a compact rounded habit, velvety textured rich red single type inflorescences with dark central discs, glossy mahogany-black foliage and dark purple-brown stems. In combination these traits set ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ apart from all other existing varieties of  Dahlia  known to the inventor.

Genus: DAHLIA.

Species: variabilis.

Denomination: ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/465,517 filed on Mar. 21, 2011entitled DAHLIA plant named ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of dahliagrown for use in mixed combinations, beds and the landscape. The newinvention is known botanically as Dahlia variabilis and will be referredto hereinafter by the cultivar name ‘MYSTIC WONDER’. The specificepithet variabilis represents a hybrid seedling line that came fromcrossing various original wild species in the early 1800's, and refersto the species' wide range of inflorescence color and shapes. Dahlia isin the family Compositae. The inflorescence of ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is a“single” form blossom and exhibits a single row of ray floretssurrounding a central cluster of disk florets.

‘MYSTIC WONDER’ was selected as a seedling that resulted from thecontrolled cross-pollination carried out by the inventor in a cultivatedarea of Auckland, New Zealand. The breeding began in 1995 by crossing anindividual plant Dahlia variabilis Selection ‘71509/01’ (unpatented) asthe female parent and an individual of Dahlia variabilis ‘ZONE TEN’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,885) as the male parent. Seed was collected fromthe female parent and coded as 71762/01, then sown with the intention ofmaking a selection from the seedlings that resulted.

‘MYSTIC WONDER’ was selected in 2008 based on the criteria of leafcolor, leaf shape, plant height, self supporting plants, single type ofinflorescence and inflorescence color. Selection was conducted by theinventor, in Auckland, New Zealand. The unique traits that distinguish‘MYSTIC WONDER’ from other varieties of Dahlia known to the inventor areglossy mahogany-black divided leaves and profusions of rich velvetytextured rich red inflorescences with dark central discs. ‘MYSTICWONDER’ is distinguishable from the parents predominantly byinflorescence and foliage color. The inflorescences of Selection‘71509/01’ are striped and mauve in color. The inflorescences of ‘ZONETEN’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,885) are striped and mauve in color, theplant is shorter in height and the foliage is less divided.

‘MYSTIC WONDER’ exhibits a compact rounded habit, velvety textured richred inflorescences with dark central discs, glossy mahogany-blackfoliage and dark purple-brown stems. The large single typeinflorescences bloom in summer and fall. Cultural conditions includefull sun, regular water and rich well-draining potting soil. ‘MYSTICWONDER’ is hardy to USDA Zone 9 and grows to 79 cm in height and 61 cmin width at maturity.

The variety of Dahlia which is considered by the inventor to mostclosely resemble ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is Dahlia ‘MYSTIC ENCHANTMENT’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 23,332). The inflorescence of ‘MYSTIC ENCHANTMENT’ isscarlet while the inflorescence of ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is a rich velvetytextured red. The inflorescences of ‘MYSTIC ENCHANTMENT’ are larger insize than ‘MYSTIC WONDER’. ‘MYSTIC ENCHANTMENT’ has a taller and morecompact habit than ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.

The first asexual reproduction of ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ was conducted in 2008in Auckland, New Zealand. The method of asexual propagation utilized wassoftwood cuttings from the tuber in year two and tissue culturethereafter. Since that time under careful observation, thedistinguishing characteristics have been determined stable, uniform, andto be reproduced true to type in subsequent generations of asexualpropagation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent thedistinguishing characteristics of the new Dahlia cultivar named ‘MYSTICWONDER’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ fromall other existing varieties of Dahlia known to the inventor. ‘MYSTICWONDER’ has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypicdifferences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic,and cultural conditions, however, without any variance in genotype.

-   -   1. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ exhibits compact rounded habit.    -   2. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ exhibits glossy mahogany-black divided leaves        and dark purple-brown stems.    -   3. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is grown for use in mixed combinations, beds        and the landscape.    -   4. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ exhibits large velvety textured rich red        single type inflorescences with dark central discs.    -   5. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ blooms summer and fall.    -   6. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ grows to 79 cm in height and 61 cm in width        at maturity    -   7. ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is hardy to USDA Zone 9.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color drawings labeled FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate theoverall appearance of ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ showing the colors as true as isreasonably possible to obtain in colored reproductions of this type.Colors in the photographs may differ from the color values cited in thedetailed botanical description, which accurately describes the actualcolors of ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.

The drawing labeled FIG. 1 depicts the entire plant in bloom.

The drawing labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of an inflorescence.

The drawings were made using conventional techniques and althoughinflorescence and foliage color may appear different from actual colordue to light reflectance, they are as accurate as possible byconventional photography.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new Dahliacultivar named ‘MYSTIC WONDER’. Observations, measurements, values andcomparisons were collected in Santa Barbara, Calif. from a 9 month oldplant grown in the landscape. Color determinations were made inaccordance with The 2007 Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart fromLondon England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionarysignificance are used. Growing requirements are similar to the species.

-   Botanical classification: Dahlia variabilis ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.-   Family: Compositae.-   Genus: DAHLIA.-   Species: variabilis.-   Denomination: ‘MYSTIC WONDER’.-   Common name: Dahlia.-   Parentage: Dahlia variabilis ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ is a seedling that    resulted from the controlled cross-pollination of the following    parents:    -   -   Female parent.—Dahlia variabilis Selection ‘71509/01’            (unpatented).        -   Male parent: Dahlia variabilis ‘ZONE TEN’ (U.S. Plant Pat.            No. 19,885).-   Propagation method: Tissue culture.-   Rooting system: Fine and fibrous.-   Vigor: Vigorous.-   Habit: Upright habit.-   Use: For use in mixed combinations, beds and the landscape.-   Type: Perennial.-   Dimensions at maturity (one growing season): 79 cm in height and 61    cm in width.-   Cultural requirements: Grow in full sun with regular water, and    well-draining potting soil.-   Pest susceptibility: Susceptible to aphids.-   Disease susceptibility: Susceptible to mildew in highly humid    conditions.-   Hardiness: USDA Zone 9.-   Stem:    -   -   Color.—N187A.        -   Shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Dimensions.—Length, 50 cm; diameter, 1.5 cm at base of stem,            0.7 cm below uppermost leaf.        -   Surface.—Glabrous.        -   Internode length (average).—12 cm.-   Foliage: The foliage of ‘MYSTIC ENCHANTMENT’ is consistently    mahogany-black when grown in full sun. Any part of the plant which    is in shade, including the shade of other plant parts, turns    olive-green in color, typically in the range 147A to 152A. This    coloration is reversible such that the olive-green foliage returns    to mahogany-black when exposed or re-exposed to full sun. All the    color readings in the botanical description are taken from foliage    and leaf parts growing in full sun.-   Type: Evergreen.    -   -   Leaf arrangement.—Opposite.        -   Leaf division.—Occasionally simple, predominantly compound            as plant develops and matures. The compound leaf structure            is very evident in a mature plant.-   Simple leaves:    -   -   Leaf dimensions (average).—10 cm-15 cm in length and 5 cm-6            cm in width.        -   Leaf color (adaxial surface).—Ranges between N186A and 200A.        -   Leaf color (abaxial surface).—147B.        -   Margin.—Ciliate and pinnatisect.        -   Leaf shape.—Hastate.        -   Leaf base.—Attenuate.        -   Leaf apex.—Apiculate.        -   Leaf venation pattern.—Pinnate.        -   Vein color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—N137D.        -   Vein midrib (abaxial surface only).—Lightly pubescent.            Hairs, 1 mm long, fine, light gray.        -   Leaf surfaces (abaxial surfaces).—Slightly puberulent.        -   Leaf surfaces (adaxial surfaces).—Glabrous.        -   Leaf attachment.—Petiolate.        -   Leaf fragrance.—None observed.        -   Petiole shape.—Sulcate.        -   Petiole dimensions.—0.5 cm to 2 cm in length and 3-4 mm in            width.        -   Petiole color.—N187A.-   Compound leaves:    -   -   Division.—Bipinnately compound consisting of two pairs of            trilobed lateral leaflets and one trilobed terminal leaflet.        -   Compound leaf dimensions (average).—24 cm in length and 22            cm in width.        -   Leaflet dimensions.—First pair (nearest stem) of lateral            leaflets: Length 10.5 cm, width 6.5 cm. Second pair of            lateral leaflets: Length 7 cm, width 3 cm. Terminal leaflet:            Length 7 cm, width 3 cm.        -   Leaflet attachment.—First pair (nearest stem) of lateral            leaflets: Petiolule. Second pair of lateral leaflets:            Sessile to rachis. Terminal leaflet: Sessile to rachis.        -   Leaflet shape, base, apex, margin, color, venation, surface            are all identical for lateral leaflets and terminal leaflets            as follows.—Base: Attenuate. Apex: Apiculate. Margin:            Ciliate and pinnatisect. Color (both surfaces): 203A.            Venation pattern: Pinnate. Leaf venation pattern: Pinnate.            Vein color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces): N137D. Vein            midrib (abaxial surface only): Lightly pubescent. Hairs, 1            mm long, fine, light gray. Leaf surfaces (abaxial surfaces):            Slightly puberulent. Leaf surfaces (adaxial surfaces):            Glabrous. Leaf attachment: Petiolate.        -   Compound leaf petiole (from stem to first pair of            leaflets).—Shape: Sulcate. Dimensions: 0.5 cm to 2 cm in            length and 3-4 mm in width. Color: Adaxial surface: 187B,            abaxial surfaces: 187B with streaks of 147C. Surfaces:            Glabrous.        -   Compound leaf rachis (from first pair of leaflets to base of            terminal leaflet).—Shape: Sulcate with central midrib.            Dimensions: 10 cm in length, 3 mm in width. Color: Adaxial            surface: 187B, abaxial surfaces: 187B with streaks of 147C.            Surfaces: Glabrous.        -   First pair of leaflet petiolules.—Shape: Sulcate.            Dimensions: 3 cm in length, 1.25 mm in width. Color: Adaxial            surface: 187B, abaxial surfaces: 187B with streaks of 147C.            Surfaces: Glabrous.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Inflorescence type.—Terminal: Inflorescence classified as            “single” form, with single row of ray florets surrounding a            central cluster of disk florets.        -   Aspect.—Facing upward and outward.        -   Inflorescence quantity.—15-20 per 2-litre container plant.        -   Dimensions of inflorescence (average).—9.5 cm in diameter            and 2.5 cm in depth.        -   Inflorescence shape.—Radiate with center disk.        -   Blooming seasons.—Summer and fall.        -   Peduncle.—Dimensions (average): 20 cm in length and 0.3-0.4            cm in diameter. Shape: Cylindrical. Surface: Glabrous.            Color: N187A.        -   Bud.—Shape: Oblate. Dimensions (average): 1.2 cm in height            and 1.5 cm in diameter. Surface: Glabrous. Appearance:            Semi-glossy. Color: 153D when newly formed, developing            longitudinal streaks 187C and becoming uniformly 187B            immediately prior to opening. Apex: Obtuse. Base: Truncate.        -   Ray florets.—Quantity per inflorescence: 8-10. Dimensions            (average): 4.50 cm in length and 3.2 cm in width. Shape:            Obovate. Apex: Obtuse with minute acute tip. Base: Cuneate.            Margin: Entire. Surface (adaxial): Glabrous. Surface            (abaxial): Matte. Arrangement: Radiate. Color (both            surfaces): 45B. Veins (both surfaces): Fine and barely color            distinguishable from 45B, becoming dark 187A towards base of            ray floret. Vein pattern: Parallel.        -   Disk florets.—Disk diameter: 2.0 cm-2.2 cm. Quantity of disk            florets: 50-60 per inflorescence. Corolla: Tubular,            sympetalous with 5 lobes, apices acute. Corolla dimensions:            10 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter. Corolla surface (both            surfaces): Glabrous. Corolla color: Ranges between N35A and            53A. Receptacle dimensions: 0.7 cm in depth and 2.5 cm in            diameter. Receptacle surface: Glabrous. Receptacle color:            53A.        -   Phyllary.—Inner phyllary: Number: 8. Shape: Elongated ovate.            Dimensions: 2.0-2.5 cm in length and 8 mm-11 mm in width.            Color (adaxial and abaxial surfaces): 151D except 139C at            base. Texture: Scarious, waxy. Appearance: Translucent.            Apex: Rounded to subacute. Base: Truncate. Margin: Entire.            Surface (adaxial and abaxial): Glabrous. Outer phyllary:            Number: 5 in number. Shape: Obovate. Dimensions: 1.50 cm in            length and 0.8 cm in width. Color (adaxial and abaxial            surfaces): 200A. Form: Reflexed. Apex: Obtuse. Base:            Truncate. Margin: Entire. Surface (adaxial): Glabrous,            glossy, ribbed. Approximately 10 longitudinal ribs 0.5-0.8            mm apart. Surface (abaxial): Glabrous, glossy, smooth.        -   Self-cleaning or persistent.—Self-cleaning.-   Reproductive organs:-   Androecium: Present on disk florets only.    -   -   Stamens.—5 in number.        -   Stamen attachment.—Filament adnate to ventral surface of            corolla.        -   Stamen length.—6 mm in length.        -   Stamen color.—169A.        -   Anther.—Connate.        -   Anther color.—169A.        -   Pollen.—Present.        -   Quantity.—Large amount.        -   Pollen color.—17A.-   Gynoecium: Present on ray florets and disc florets.    -   -   Pistil.—One present.        -   Pistil length.—12 mm in length.        -   Stigma dimensions.—3 mm in length and 0.5 mm in width.        -   Stigma form.—Plumose.        -   Stigma color.—N169A.        -   Stigma shape.—Bifurcate.        -   Ovary position.—Inferior.        -   Ovary color.—150D.        -   Ovary shape.—Rotund.        -   Ovary dimensions.—2 mm in width and 3 mm in height.-   Seed: Seed has not been found during repeated observations.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plantnamed ‘MYSTIC WONDER’ as described and illustrated herein.